Spectacled Porpoises, Phocoena dioptrica

Description & Behavior

Spectacled porpoises, Phocoena dioptrica (Lahille, 1912), aka marsopa de anteojos, and bicolour porpoises, are small porpoises with a large rounded dorsal fin. Females have a more triangular fin. Their upper body is glossy blue-black in color, with a distinctive sharp line portraying a change to white on their lower sides and underneath. This white area may expand with age. There is a white stripe along the upper side of their tail stock (area just before their tail). A black patch is present around each eye, surrounded by a fine white line. Their lips are black and one or two dark gray stripes lead from their lips to the flippers, extending along the leading edge. These porpoises measure 1.3-2.2 m in length, and weigh between 60-115 kg.

Spectacled porpoises tend to travel in small groups of 1-2 animals. They move by rolling slowly forward in the water and are not as acrobatic as other small cetaceans.

World Range & Habitat

Spectacled porpoises, Phocoena dioptrica, inhabit the coastal waters of certain offshore islands and the southern Atlantic coast of South America. There are records from the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Heard Island, Macquarie Island, and the Aukland Islands. Although rarely seen at sea, the spectacled porpoise may be circumpolar in the subantarctic. Sightings have occurred in offshore waters as well as in rivers and channels.

Conservation Status & Comments

Argentina and Uruguay occasionally hunt these porpoises and an unknown number die from entrapment within fishing gear every year. In the past, this species was apparently harpooned by Tierra del Fuegan natives, as well as fishermen and whalers.

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